Research Associate in Computational Spine Biomechanics

Overview

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world‑class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pension scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

This highly interdisciplinary post‑doctoral research associate (PDRA) position will advance the modelling of patients with vertebral metastases for the prevention of fractures in order to reliably stratify patients based on their fracture risk. The position is funded as part of Horizon 2020 European Project https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). that aims to provide a combination of models biomechanically validated and demonstrated in relevant clinical environments that will be incorporated in a clinical decision support system.

The ideal candidate will have an excellent PhD in biomechanics (or a related discipline), possess solid knowledge of finite element modelling, and have strong experience in developing patient‑specific biomechanical computational models. Ensuring the achievement of the project objectives will advance the vision of the Insigneo institute to produce a transformational impact on healthcare. The PDRA will also sustain and strengthen collaboration within relevant Insigneo research groups and beyond, and will commit to Insigneo’s mission to produce high‑quality cutting‑edge research.

• Effectively work with other partners of the project for the segmentation of vertebrae with metastatic lesions.
• Lead the development of subject‑specific finite element models of vertebrae with lesions.
• Work collaboratively with other colleagues for the validation of the finite element models.
• Lead the development of computational models that simulate the treatment of metastatic vertebrae.
• Work collaboratively with other colleagues for the development of finite element models of the spine segment (including vertebrae and intervertebral discs).
• Follow best practices for quality assurance of research software and effective management of research data.
• Self‑organise time to ensure the achievement of the objectives agreed with the line manager and to continue to develop own knowledge in the domain of research.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of the relevant literature.
• Effectively collaborate with colleagues, co‑workers, partners, etc. to achieve the agreed objectives.
• Proactively seek to develop further collaboration opportunities arising from own work.
• Be actively engaged and participate in all meetings and activities in the collaborative projects in which the IMSB group at Insigneo is currently participating.
• Mentor junior colleagues and PhD students and supervise MEng/MSc dissertation research.
• Interact with other researchers within the department, the Insigneo Institute, the rest of the university and the institutions of our partners in collaborative projects.
• Write papers that are published in internationally peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present work at national and international conferences.
• Write technical reports both for internal monitoring and for reporting to external funding agencies.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

• PhD in biomechanics (or a related discipline) – essential
• Solid knowledge of finite element modelling – essential…